Tuesday, February 2, 2010

What the ....?

Again this was in between storms the surf was high and the wind was gusting at over 40mph.
The sun kept going in and out of the clouds which made the lighting very unusual at times.



The picture above was supposed to be my last one because of all of the blowing sand but then I saw this huge kite and I wondered how someone could fly it in this wind and not end up in the water.



So I took a closer look and saw the surfer being pulled by the kite and I said "what the .... ?"

I've seen this before but never in conditions like these. I still wonder how he or she made it back to shore with such high winds and big choppy waves. This week for Outdoor Wednesday we move a couple miles down the coast to Balboa Beach.
I'm glad that I got these shots but in hindsight it wasn't very smart to take pictures with all of the sand blowing around. I got lucky this time.

If you would like to see more Outdoor Wednesday posts please click here.

44 comments:

Ebie said...

Simply beautiful! The surfer is so small amidst the waves I hardly could see, and I thought, what the ... did someone just three a banana peel?

You got the best of your vacation here in SoCal!

Carly said...

I LOVE your top photo! The lighting is amazing!!!

2sweetnsaxy said...

That person really must have had no fear. It looks scary especially with those amazing waves. Wonderful shots. Too bad you didn't get to visit Bolsa Chica. It's not the most beautiful place but it sure is relaxing and the birds are plentiful!

Matty said...

These are gorgeous pictures. I have to wonder how anyone could hang onto the kite.

Quilt Works said...

I *love* the heavly cloud - perfect composition, exposre, everything!

Carolyn Ford said...

These are superb, James! Those clouds and the light...wow! Kite surfers love these conditions...we have seen them out in worse conditions than this in Hawaii and also up the California Central Coast around San Simeon. It's always really windy up there and they are out in droves! This post is so enjoyable!

vignette design said...

It took me awhile to figure out what I was looking at! A wind surfer! I can't believe he was out there during those conditions. The first photo could be framed it is so beautiful. Almost like heaven.....-Delores

Sunny said...

The lighting in the first picture is really cool. I love the sun rays. The shape of the middle cloud reminds me of Martha's Vineyard.
When I lived on Cape Cod, the kite surfers loved these kind of conditions, not sure if that's brave or crazy! LOL
Sunny :)

ruma said...

Is he reckless or a brave man?
Yes. This sun brightness may have paralyzed his sense.

Stickup Artist said...

Hi James,

Just hopped over here from Owen's Magic Lantern Show. Here's a funny coincidence - I was born and raised in Philly and ended up in Costa Mesa. (I moved a little under a year ago to the Inland Empire).

I clicked briefly thru both blogs. Loved the black and white of the cheesesteak guy and the black and white of the bridge across the Delaware in New Hope.

I look forward to having more time to enjoy your lovely photos of both locales.

Light and Voices said...

Holy cow! Amazing photographs!
Joyce M

Louis la Vache said...

The top photo is breathtaking - as is the idea of parasailing in such high wind!

Olivier said...

impressionnante ces photos de ce surfeur à voile. très beau reportage

Saretta said...

These shots are all beautiful, but I especially like the first.

My name is Riet said...

Beautiful photo's, my favorite is the first one. Special

VP said...

A very good set of photos, I was surprised to see the surfer with this kind of sea... sorry ocean!

eileeninmd said...

James, wonderful set of surfs up photos. The light is pretty too.

Pat said...

That's one beautiful sky, but I'm not sure that brave water skier is aware of it!!

Kat said...

Amazing shots James. The first is really stunning - what light! As for the second two, great shots, crazy surfer! Kathy

Malyss said...

For surfers and kite surfers, the stronger the waves are, the best it is..That's the same for photographers, I'd say; Your pictures are wonderful! I like to see the wind in the waves, the movement, I almost feel the breath of it!And the light in your first pic is like a threat.. Really great!!

Tania said...

I wanna try! Great and beautiful shot:-)

Lois said...

I'm glad you braved the blowing sand James! These pictures are spectacular.

penny said...

Great captures of the kite-boarder, James. The sea mist blowing off the waves is spectacular.

Luis Gomez said...

I just love your shots from California. They are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them.

Claudia said...

Great cloud shot AND capture of the adventure in action!

Love the waves too.

Ms. Bake-it said...

Love your shots! Especially the first and last one.

Thank you for sharing them with us today.

~ Tracy

Cheryl said...

These photos are great. I am amazed by the kite and the surfer! I love the clouds in the first photo, so pretty.

Cezar and Léia said...

Outstanding James!
The first one is a dream, just brilliant!
I'm enchanted by those wonderful waves!
Leia

Unknown said...

These shots are gorgeous!

imac said...

Wow, that looks rough going.
Great pics.

kayerj said...

spectacular shots . . .

but I think the skiier is a little nuts

Lori E said...

I just don't understand why someone would do that but I am not known for my sense of adventure.
Those waters are really wild.

EG CameraGirl said...

Looks a little...no, a LOT crazy to me! Gave you a chance to get some great photos though!

Helena said...

These are really great shots!

Jientje said...

I LOVE the light in that first picture!

Christine said...

The light in your first photo is awesome. Then your ocean shots with that wind surfer - one can feel the tension. Excellent photos.

Dimple said...

I saw the first shot and thought it was awesome. Then I scrolled down, and I had to agree with you! I am not that brave (or foolhardy!) to attempt such things. The blowing surf in your shots really pictures the wind!

diane b said...

Great blog terrific shots. Loved the birds in the sunset.

amatamari© said...

An impressive photographic series: I like the sea so rough, those waves and the kite looks like a bird.
Very beautiful, thanks for sharing!
:-)

Tash said...

No fear for both of you! AMAZING photos! bet the guy would love to get a hold of these.
the clouds are phenomenal too.

Unknown said...

Wow. That is simply AMAZING! When I look at the ocean and the sky it makes me SO thankful. What a beautiful world in which we live!

maryt/theteach said...

James, these photos are incredible and I needed the 2nd shot to see the surfer in the water...:)

happily retired gal said...

What a wonderful SKY photo from MY world ... the lighting is fabulous and I can't believe I missed it! As for the crazy kite surfers ... they're fearless and out there every day regardless of conditions!
Hugs and blessings,

tapirgal said...

I love the colors here, especially pic #2, and the waves are caught perfectly in #3.